[Integrating Pan American Health Organization guidelines on violence against women into the university curriculum of health professionals in Latin AmericaIntegração das orientações da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde sobre violência contra as mulheres na formação universitária dos profissionais de saúde na América Latina].

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the feasibility of integrating the guidelines of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on violence against women into the university curriculum of health personnel in Latin America by identifying barriers, facilitators, and opportunities.

Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted through a narrative review of the literature and of the medical and nursing curricula of Latin American universities, as well as semi-structured interviews with 37 experts on university curricula from 13 Latin American countries. Data were analyzed by thematic coding and triangulation.

Results: Facilitators include political commitment in the Region, academic interest in incorporating gender issues, and experiences of successful partial integration that can serve as examples for other Latin American countries. Barriers include institutional resistance, limited preparation of teaching staff, and the overload of current curricula. Highlighted opportunities include the development of pilot workshops, regional collaboration, and the use of innovative methodologies such as hands-on simulations and clinical case-based learning.

Conclusion: The integration of PAHO guidelines and content on violence against women is feasible, but requires strategies adapted to local realities such as institutional awareness-raising, teacher training, and regional collaboration. This study provides preliminary evidence to guide educational policies and strengthen training in the prevention and management of gender-based violence in Latin America.